Nutrition in children

It is vital that children have adequate nutrition and a healthy diet for your optimal development potential. During childhood and adolescence, dietary habits and exercise can make the difference between a healthy lifestyle and disease risk in later years. At different stages of life, different nutrients are needed.

What are the most important considerations in nutrition during the first year of life?
 During the first 12 months of life, a baby triples its weight and height increases by 50 percent. These increases in weight and height are the main indices used to assess nutritional status and measured at regular intervals and compared with standard growth charts. These measurements are important tools when assessing children's progress, especially between 6 and 12 months.Breastfeeding as the child's needs, remains the best way to feed a healthy baby is born at term. Human milk meets all nutritional needs for growth and development of the baby. In addition, the first 4-6 months of life are a period of rapid growth, especially for the brain, as breast milk contains amino acids and fatty acid is ideally suited to meet those needs.

When should I introduce solid foods?

The addition of complementary solid food is usually a gradual process lasting several weeks or months and that should start around 6 months old. The exact time depends on the baby and mother, and reflects the fact that although breast milk is sufficient during the first months, when the child grows and does not provide by itself all the right nutrients. The addition of complementary foods at around 6 months is important for children to develop the ability to chew and speak.